With the rest of the lineup consisting of everyone from Bill Nye the Science Guy and Snookito evenJack Osbourne, it’s anyone’s game this season, but with Amber’s attitude we’re sure she’ll get far. “I’m an okay dancer, but Derek always says I can teach you technique, but its all about the attitude and bringing a performance to it,” she explains.

“Initially I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do it because I’m still filming Glee on and off.’ And I was really nervous and I just said, ‘You know? Even though I’m scared. I’m just going to go for it.'”

The singer-actress admits she’s glad she did decide to take on the challenge. “It’s been paying off so far. I’ve been having so much fun learning to dance and with a cool guy like Derek, it’s been an amazing experience so far. I’m really happy with my decision.”

But she hasn’t quit her day job: Amber still has her Glee duties. In fact, she reveals her character will be present during the tribute to the late Cory Monteith. “I actually sing a song in it and I finished the day before my first rehearsal … it’s been of course hard, but it was kind of therapeutic to remember somebody that we loved so much.”

“I’m glad that people will get to see us commemorate someone that was so essential to our show.”

Catch Amber take on the Dancing With the Stars challenge on September 16 when Season 17 premieres on ABC.